May 28, 2026, Seward Folly Staff

The fishing vessel Orion from Aurora Charters sank last Saturday while returning from a chartered fishing trip. Sources stated that it was a “Make a Wish” trip for two young people. According to reports, the captain noted a crack in the hull of the catamaran while returning to the harbor and was taking it slow. Shortly thereafter, the boat capsized. An emergency life raft was deployed, and three customers and two crew were able to board.

They were picked up by good Samaritan vessels and quickly brought to the harbor. Fire crews and ambulances were dispatched to the Seward small boat harbor ramp at approximately 5 p.m. for the five people. The rescued people were described as cold and wet with possible hypothermia, arriving on two inbound boats.

The following day, the Orion was towed to Storm Chasers. The Orion is a 30-foot fiberglass catamaran built by Black Feather in Juneau. According to records, the company was dissolved in 2013. Another Black Feather catamaran sank with passengers on board last season, leading to speculation about the seaworthiness of the aging fleet of Black Feather catamarans.

The Orion off Lowell Pt.